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Job Description / Duties

Residence Life at Laurier

Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) is committed to creating safe, supportive living and learning environments that promote healthy student transition and academic success. The Department of Residence is comprised of four functional units; administration, facilities, residence education, and residence life. The Residence Life unit is committed to engaging students as valued members of the Laurier community, and is focused on creating opportunities for students to positively contribute to their own growth. Residence Life at Laurier has always been characterized by mutual respect, and works diligently to promote healthy and caring communities.

Residence Life Coordinator - x 6 (Waterloo Campus), x 1 (Brantford Campus)

Reporting to one of three Residence Life Managers (RLMs), the Residence Life Coordinator (RLAC) is responsible for the day-to-day operational supervision of assigned residence buildings at Wilfrid Laurier University. RLACs are expected to enhance the living and learning environment of Laurier residence buildings by prioritizing staff and student development, resident outreach, community building, attention to facilities, and administrative organization. RLACs are engaged members of the Residence Life Management Team that are collectively responsible for residence student staff selection and supervision, as well the development and implementation of student staff training. Further, RLACs will participate in portfolio work with members of the Department of Residence Management Team to support the mission and vision of the Department. RLACs are also responsible for lower and mid-level student conduct adjudication, enforcing residence policy, and supporting student leadership development. Successful professionals in the RLAC role approach the position as a lifestyle, regularly interacting with students and staff. The RLAC position is a full-time, live-in staff member who works to maintain Laurier’s standards of community living, and provides opportunities for students to be active participants in safe residence communities that support individual growth and development.

The RLAC assumes primary responsibility and direct supervision of Residence Life Dons, providing developmental coaching to assist Dons in enhancing the skills necessary to succeed in their role. In partnership with the Residence Education unit, RLACs are responsible for the comprehension, promotion and delivery of a residential curriculum for the residence population. In order to maintain safety and security as a high priority on behalf of Residence Life at Laurier, the RLAC will also participate in an after-hours on-call shift rotation. The RLAC is expected to triage and manage low to intermediate level emergent situations, applying conflict resolution skills and counselling techniques when necessary. When appropriate, the RLAC will direct higher-impact situations to the RLM on-call.

Accountabilities:

Staff Supervision & Development

Facilitate move-in & move-out processes for Residence Life Dons, and support the management of Laurier’s first year move-in and orientation process
Execute the selection and evaluation of Department of Residence student staff in partnership with the Residence Education unit
Assist with the development and delivery of on-going training programs for Department of Residence student staff including: summer training modules, August Student Staff Training, monthly in-service training and weekly training during staff meetings
Conduct weekly staff meetings and one-on-one meetings with Residence Life Dons

Administrative Duties

Be responsive to administrative requests made by staff in the Department of Residence in a timely manner
Monitor the Residence Documentation System, process and assign lower-mid level conduct, and deliver appropriate residence sanctions as defined by Residence Life’s Standard Operating Procedures
Manage and supervise collection of residence building community fund accounts
Assume responsibility of portfolios as assigned by Residence Life Managers and the Associate Director of Residence Life
Guide Residence Life Dons in the implementation of departmental and institutional policies and procedures
Manage timely submission of all documentation by Residence Life Dons, including: employment contracts, community documentation, and entries in the Residence Documentation System
Report, track and follow up on facilities issues in residence

Student & Community Development

Interact with a diverse residence population, providing students with the support necessary for healthy personal and community growth
Maintain high visibility within residence communities as part of a live-in position
Support, advise and provide appropriate referrals for residents in need of professional services to address wellness needs
Promote and engage in programming, events and workshops developed by Department of Residence staff on an ongoing basis to support the First Year Residence Experience Model and the First Year Leadership Program
Liaise with professional staff at WLU on behalf of residents and Dons
Develop and implement new programs and services that improve the quality of life in residence, as agreed to by Residence Life Managers
Participate in departmental committees and task forces
Maintain regular office hours Monday through Friday in the Residence Life Office

After-hour shift Responsibilities

Participate in an 24h on-call rotation: Monday –Thursday, or weekends ( Friday – Monday) including after-hours responsibilities , as assigned by the RLM
Each RLAC assumes after-hour responsibilities beginning in Orientation Week and concluding at the end of the winter term exam period (September – end of April). There are no after-hours shift responsibilities from May until the end of August
Each RLAC will assume after-hour responsibilities for the duration of Orientation Week, and will then participate in a rotating schedule. Other peak weekends and special events will be supported by all of the RLAC team (eg. Homecoming, Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day, August Training)
After-hour responsibilities are intended to provide ongoing support to student staff working in residence buildings
While on-call, RLACS will respond to residence situations as identified by Residence Life Dons, and triage accordingly based on the severity of the situation. Situations may include but are not limited to: residence policy violations, mental health support, facilities concerns, and safety and security issues.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Completed bachelor degree plus one (1) year of experience in Residence Life at the student staff and/or professional level
Proven ability to work in a continuously changing organization
Highly motivated and proven leadership ability
Experience developing residence communities focused on student success and learning
Working knowledge of team building and student staff supervision in a residence environment
Ability to deliver training programs
Demonstrated creativity, initiative, and an ability to complete tasks
Ability to interact and communicate with all levels of the university community
Demonstrated ability to make ethical and moral decisions
Possess the ability to interact effectively with a large number of students

Contact Information

Hiring Manager: Candice Bean, Acting Associate Director, Residence Life
Email: cbean@wlu.ca